Two movies at the Barn

Film fans can look forward to two contrasting offerings at Woodend Barn this month.

The Film Club meets on Wednesday, February 22 at 7.30 pm to watch 1986 historical drama Jean de Florette.

At the time it was the most expensive French film ever made, and starred three of France’s most prominent actors – Gerard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuill and Yves Montand and consequently won both commercial and critical success.

The film takes place in rural Provence where two local farmers scheme to trick Jean out of his newly inherited property, but the plot twists and the deception later proves bittersweet.

Considered by many as director Claude Berri’s greatest work, this latest offering from the film club gives you the opportunity to see for yourself the poignant story told within the beautiful but harsh landscape of Provence.

By contrast, on Friday, February 24, at 7.30pm, the Barn showcases a low-budget film. Made in 2010 and directed by Robert McFalls, Homegrown highlights an organic family farm where, on less than a quarter of an acre, they harvest over 6000 pounds of produce every year, feeding themselves and their friends.

Remarkable in itself, their skills do not end with food: they make biofuels and harness solar power to produce their own energy too.

The film has been described by one reviewer as “an intimate human portrait of what it is like to live by your ideals”.

Understandably, viewing provides ample food for thought and so there will be a panel discussion afterwards with guest speakers in order to make the most of the experience.